CHP's Ali Mahir Başarır makes statement on convention vote: 'I told Kılıçdaroğlu'

Appearing as a guest on Ekol TV's Geniş Açı, Ali Mahir Başarır made notable remarks regarding the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention, which is currently involved in legal proceedings. Başarır recounted the dialogue he had with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu prior to the convention.

Ali Mahir Başarır made striking statements regarding the current agenda. While the lawsuit filed against the CHP's 38th Ordinary Convention remains a topic of discussion, Ali Mahir Başarır announced that he voted for Özgür Özel at the convention and that he had informed the former Chairman, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, of his preference before the event.

"ÖZGÜR ÖZEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN BY MY SIDE"

Başarır stated, "On the day I was elected as a deputy, before I even arrived in Ankara, a number starting with 533 called me; it wasn't saved in my contacts. It was Mr. Özgür Özel, the Group Deputy Chairman. We started there, and an incredible friendship developed. He has always been by my side in good times and bad. When I first entered the Party Assembly, he was the one who proposed me," explaining that he has walked the path with Özgür Özel since the day he became a deputy.

"I DISCLOSED IT FOR THE FIRST TIME"

Başarır explained the events leading up to the 38th Ordinary Convention, which was held amidst calls for change within the CHP, with the following words: "Because I was the Group Deputy Chairman of the CHP and Kemal Bey was our Chairman, I told Kemal Bey: 'Until the day before the convention, Friday, November 4, I will not engage in any activity, I will not say anything against you, but I will give my signature to Mr. Özgür Özel on Friday.' I disclosed this for the first time. I also said, 'We can resign if you wish.'"

"I SAID I HOPE THERE WILL BE A CONSENSUS"

Continuing his remarks, Başarır said, "He said, 'Don't quit, stay in your position, you are successful.' I also said this: 'I hope there will be a consensus.' People want change; we lost the election, everyone is very sad, millions are crying, and 30 percent of our social media followers left us in the 24 hours after the election. Thousands of resignations have come through e-Government. Let's reach a consensus, draw a roadmap, and give the task to a friend who deserves it. Let there be no fighting or arguing, let's conduct the convention through consensus. He was told, 'Please discuss it.'"

"I SAID IT IN THE CONVENTION HALL"

Başarır recounted Kılıçdaroğlu's response: "Kemal Bey listens carefully. He received it with great maturity and kindness. I gave my signature on November 4. I said this in the convention hall: 'I gave my signature to Mr. Özgür Özel; if he loses, I will ethically hand over my position to my Chairman, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. I will continue to work as a deputy.'"